Jun 2010 Journal

Claims Conference update

At their most recent round of negotiations with the German government, the Claims Conference secured notable improvements in the eligibility criteria for reparation funds and significant increases in support for social and welfare programmes.

Although an initiative of the AJR, part of the Homecare programme is financed by the Claims Conference from money negotiated from the German government. Homecare helps with the costs of carers, cleaners and chores. In recent years, the German government has signalled its commitment to funding this cost-effective programme, which enables agencies like the AJR to maintain its members in their own homes for as long as possible.

As part of the increase from 30m to 55m euros in the overall funding of this programme by the German government, the UK will receive 810,000 euros, an increase of 368,000 euros.

Also agreed at the negotiations was a change in the criteria for entitlement to the Article II Fund, the equivalent of a monthly pension paid by the Claims Conference and financed by the German government. Until now, Holocaust survivors had to satisfy stringent conditions to be eligible for the 291 euros a month pension, including incarceration in a concentration camp for a minimum of six months.

Recognising the Claims Conference’s assertion that even a short time in a Nazi camp resulted in unimaginable suffering and deprivation, the German government has now agreed to allow a special review of the cases of those who were in concentration camps, even for a short period of time. This change has been a long-sought goal in negotiations with Germany.

Consequently, anyone who has submitted a claim to the Article II Fund but did not meet the condition of having been interned in a concentration camp for a minimum of six months, or any other Holocaust survivor who does not receive a compensation pension but was interned in a concentration camp for any length of time, is encouraged to contact the AJR.

Written enquiries should be sent to the AJR, Jubilee House, Merrion Avenue, Stanmore, Middx HA7 4RL or to mnewman@ajr.org.uk